10 Gorgeous Iowa Towns To Visit In 2023
If the fragrant smell of ham balls brought you towards "The Hawkeye State," European towns' diverse architecture and cultures will keep you engaged in exploring Iowa. Whether stopping by Pella's bakeries for some delectable Dutch pastries, drinking some home-brewed beers in a stunning Viking-style tavern in Elk Horn, or taking a stunning cruise on a ferry on the Great River Road from Le Claire, Iowa offers hosts many diverse settlements with each their own adventure. These ten towns deserve to be highlighted for their undoubtful beauty and rare appeal.
Pella
The town of Pella overlooks Lake Red Rock with its beautiful European balconies. Immigrants from the Netherlands founded this Marion County village that gives the feeling of Holland. To learn more about this community's Dutch heritage, the Pella Historical Society & Museums tells the story of Pella's founding family and includes one of the largest working windmills in the United States, as well as a preserved 22-building historical village. Moreover, the gorgeously remodeled Pella Opera House is available for tour and classic play participation. Recognized as Iowa's largest reservoir, Lake Red Rock grants a day on the water boating, kayaking, or canoeing. For land lovers, bike and walking trails run all around the lake. Before leaving and after exploring Lake Red Rock and discovering Pella's heritage, the typical Dutch pastries letters of Jaarsma Bakery will leave a sweet aftertaste.
Dyersville
Dyersville went from a quiet village that revolved around farming to a modern town now primarily known as the Farm Toy Capital of the World. Furthermore, The National Farm Toy Museum has a magnificent collection of about 30,000 farm toys. Every year, in June and November, the town hosts a farm toy show, exhibiting all of its toys and running display competitions for the best toy creations in the country. One of the most sought-after attractions in Dyersville is the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, one of the only minor Roman Catholic Basilicas based in a small settlement. This picturesque basilica is a fine example of authentic medieval Gothic architecture in the Midwest and one of only two basilicas in Iowa. For outdoor lovers, Dyersville provides access to the Heritage Trail, a 26-mile hike recognized as one of the upper Midwest's most scenic trails.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon takes its name from the expansive estate of George Washington present within the town. This sweeping property exudes beauty like a fairytale castle. With its white walls and towering columns, this estate has been masterfully preserved since George Washington's death in 1799. Nature lovers will appreciate the Palisades-Kepler State Park, which offers many paths that go around the dense forest to Cedar Cliff and Cool Hollow, plus a historic lodge for event rentals. In between the magnificent Victorian houses in downtown Mount Vernon, many grills might catch one's tummy attention. For example, Big's BBQ & Brew Pub grants customers their homemade brews while serving sloppy joes, roasted meats, and tasty Iowa ham balls.
Orange City
Orange City is a small community that holds the heritage of William of Orange, Prince of Holland, from which the town gets its name. This village still maintains its Dutch settler traditions visibly, with Dutch storefront architecture and an annual Tulip Festival every May. With the Orange City Dutch Heritage Center, the Vogel Old Mill, and the Sioux County Courthouse, one could tour these ancient buildings that tell the story of the Dutch immigrants, led by Hendrick Jan Van De Waa, who settled here. Strolling the city center, Windmill Park grants visitors jaw-dropping gardens full of colorful tulips amid several mills. After working up an appetite, feel free to head to Nederlander's Grill, which provides a Dutch take on American cuisine, serving Holland-style fries and burgers with Gouda cheese.
Okoboji
West Okoboji Lake washes Okoboji's western shores, and East Okoboji Lake gives a stunning backdrop to this modern town. This chain of glacier-carved lakes extends several miles from the Minnesota border southwest and covers approximately 15,000 acres. Floating close to the shore, the Fish House is a truly one-of-a-kind attraction known as the "World's Largest Ice Fishing House" and offers restaurant and cruise ship services. Moreover, a crowd favorite attraction among kids is the Dickinson County Nature Center, which grants educational exhibits, a play area, and a new interactive augmented reality topography sandbox introduced this year. The nearby lakes provide the beautiful landscape for Okoboji's year-round playground, brimming with water sports in the summer and cold-weather ventures in the winter, such as ice-fishing, snowmobiling, and the University of Okoboji Winter Games.
Decorah
The Upper Iowa River splits the town of Decorah down the middle, creating stunning creeks and bluffs that adorn this pretty settlement. Glaciers missed this village by miles, so be sure you do not. Feel free to take advantage of the surrounding landscape by kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the Upper Iowa River or on the nearby trout streams. On that note, the nearby Trout Run Trail is an 11-mile biking and hiking trail, mountain biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Cross-country skiing is also available in parks like Ice Cave, Phelps, Palisades, and VanPeenen, with another 25 miles of trails. Furthermore, the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum showcases the most extensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world, highlighting the roots of Decorah, which originated from many Norwegian settlements beginning in the 1850s.
Elk Horn
Elk Horn allows visitors to experience Denmark without a passport. This town is known as an enclave of Danish ethnicity. It is home to the Museum of Danish America, where many exhibits are cycled through, keeping the focus on Danish roots and the American dream. Just two miles from Kimballton but oceans away from their Danish homeland, these twin villages proudly honor their heritage daily. Their heritage festivities culminate in two significant yearly celebrations: Tivoli Fest in May and Julefest in November. Strolling by the picturesque red-tinted roofs of houses in downtown Elk Horn, The Norse Horse Tavern captivates travelers with a Norse Viking-themed sports bar with an extensive tap list featuring many Iowa breweries. Here, you can enjoy the party and game rooms, bringing the pint high to the sky, SKOL!
Winterset
The Covered Bridges Scenic Byway connects many bridges, each offering fantastic views of the Iowa countryside and bringing visitors into the small town of Winterset. Surrounded by rolling hills, the lovely town is the famed birthplace of Hollywood's icon, John Wayne, including Duke's legacy at the non-profit John Wayne Birthplace and Museum. Downtown Winterset is home to the magnificent town square crowned by the historic courthouse from 1876. On top of that, one of the finest eateries in the area is Easton's Bistro, a gourmet restaurant providing high-quality foods wonderfully plated at a modest price.
Fairfield
Fairfield lives like a metropolitan community, where the Iowan approach to life is sparked by diverse cultures. For outdoor lovers, the Fairfield Loop Trail takes hikers around this gorgeous village. Also known as the emerald necklace, the trail connects evergreen fields, lakes, woods, prairies, historical sites, and art exhibits. The Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, found inside the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, features the best of music, dance, comedy, and theater of national touring performances. Moreover, Waterworks Park has gorgeous shores to the Bonnfield Lake and offers a vital estuary for migratory birds and wandering deer. The park also has vast prairies and many paths, perfect for refreshing hikes or quiet strolls.
Le Claire
Le Claire enjoys the calm waters of the Mississippi River while waving at its Illinois neighbors. Le Claire is the birthplace of Buffalo Bill. The mythical frontiersman and US Army Scout outlived his exciting life to inspire people for generations, including a famous local museum. The majestic Buffalo Bill Museum brings to life the history of its namesake with the addition of multiple other crown achievements in education, innovation, and Native American contribution. A former fabrication shop in downtown Le Claire was the home base for the American Pickers Show on History Channel. Today, the building houses some of our best picks and a new merchandise store. If you are in the mood for a relaxing cruise on the mighty Mississippi, come aboard the Riverboat Twilight Ferries to tour the impeccable scenery.
Discovering Iowa's Hidden Gems
These towns have been shown to possess unrivaled beauty, each offering a unique mix of vibrant European culture amidst pristine nature and lively attractions. From the Dutch settlements of Pella and Orange City to the Danish retreat of Elk Horn or the serene chain of glacier-carved lakes along Okoboji, each of these picturesque towns is memorable, and the communities are eager to meet every new visitor with Iowa hospitality in the refreshing natural embrace of the heart of America.
